Newborn Skin Care Tips

By, Caroline Glick, PA-C, MPH

As a new mom, I had a lot to learn about taking care of a newborn baby: everything from picking a car seat to feeding him was new to me. However, baby skin care was something that I knew a thing or two about! Hopefully, I can pass along some tips to help new parents with newborn skin care and make it more manageable during those early weeks and months.

Bathing

Baby skin care starts with bathing, which can be done two to three times per week. Start with sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. Once the umbilical cord falls off, bathe your newborn in a sink or a plastic tub filled with a small amount of water. Be sure to test the temperature of the water before bathing; it should be warm, but not too hot. Place the baby in the tub feet first while still holding him or her. Gently wash your baby with a mild soap and shampoo. Start with the baby’s head and then wash the rest of your baby’s body. Be sure to wash the creases, such as the baby’s neck, underarms, and diaper area. Dry your baby immediately with a towel to keep him or her warm. A fragrance-free moisturizer can be applied if your baby’s skin is dry.

Babies can frequently develop scaly, greasy patches on their scalp, known as cradle cap, or seborrheic dermatitis. It can be treated by washing the baby’s hair and scalp more frequently, such as every other day. Use fragrance-free shampoo or a shampoo that is specifically formulated for cradle cap. Do not scratch or pick at the scaly patches. Instead, the patches can be removed by applying baby oil to the scalp before shampooing and then massaging the scale away with your finger, a baby brush, or a comb.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is important for babies’ skin. Seeking shade, using sun-protective clothing, and dressing your baby in a wide-brimmed hat are essential. For babies younger than six months, sunscreen should be avoided (although minimal amounts can be applied if needed on sun-exposed areas). Sunscreens used on babies should be broad-spectrum with an SPF of 30 or above. Mineral sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are less irritating.

Nail Care

Another important part of baby care includes keeping their nails short so they avoid scratching themselves. Babies’ nails grow very quickly! Nail files are the best way to keep them from getting too long. I found that filing my baby’s nails while he is feeding is a good trick to keep him calm and distracted.

Changing Diapers

Diaper rash is a very common condition for infants. The best way to prevent it is to change diapers as soon as possible, even if wet, as moisture inflames the skin. Use unscented, alcohol-free baby wipes or a soft washcloth to wipe. Also, keep your baby diaper-free as much as you can to allow the skin to dry. If your baby has diaper rash, applying a thick layer of zinc oxide diaper cream will help protect the skin. The zinc oxide paste does not need to be removed between diaper changes.

Acne on Babies

Up to 20% of newborns can have acne on their face, scalp, back, or chest. Acne can develop between week two and week six. It generally goes away on its own and is nothing to worry about. Avoid putting acne medication or greasy skin care products on the baby’s skin. Instead, be very gentle and wash the skin with lukewarm water.

As I found out, learning how to care for a newborn is incredibly rewarding and challenging at the same time! Please reach out to us if you have questions or concerns.

 

 

 

References

How To Bathe Your Newborn.  American Academy of Dermatology (n.d.) https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/newborn-bathing

How To Care For Your Baby’s Skin, Hair, and Nails. American Academy of Dermatology (2021 October 25). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/baby-care-skin-hair-nails

How To Treat Diaper Rash. American Academy of Dermatology (n.d.)  https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/rash/treat-diaper-rash

Is That Acne On My Baby’s Face? American Academy of Dermatology (2023, September 12). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/really-acne/baby-acne.

Schleehauf, B. How To Treat Cradle Cap. American Academy of Dermatology (2022, August 17). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/hair-scalp-care/scalp/treat-cradle-cap